This year, one out of every two deaths in the U.S. will be the result of cardiovascular disease. It’s the number one cause of death in America. It can strike anyone: men and women of all ages, races, and economic classes.

Here’s a great way to improve your odds: a HeartScan from St.Vincent Health and Suburban Health Organization.

A HeartScan can help identify your risk for heart disease. And when you know what you’re facing, you can make lifestyle changes that can reduce your chances of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or other form of cardiovascular disease.

HeartScan is a computed tomography (CT) scan that measures the amount of "calcified" or "hardened" plaque inside your coronary arteries. We take a rapid series of images inside your heart, lungs, and blood vessels to determine if you have any early warnings for heart disease. Doctors can then offer treatment options and suggest lifestyle changes to decrease your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

You should consult with your physician to see if a HeartScan is right for you. Your physician is in the best position to determine whether a HeartScan might help in your care. If you have risk factors for heart disease, a HeartScan may help you and your physician to determine the best treatment for you.